Amanda Conners, LCSW – Home & Community Treatment (HCT) Clinical Supervisor
Hi! My name is Amanda, and I am a graduate from the MSW Program at the University of Maine with over 10 years of experience working with children and families in the community mental health setting. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with additional training in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), and Motivational Interviewing. I approach my work with children and families by providing parenting education, opportunities to build skills, and by helping to create positive change within the family system. I recognize the importance of clients and families feeling heard and having a supportive, non-judgmental relationship with their provider.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and spending time outdoors.
UCP is a great place to work because of the flexible and supportive working environment.
Andrea Richards, LCPC, BCBA – Director of Early Childhood Services
As a counselor and behavior analyst who works with children, I’d love to share some of my beliefs with you, so that you can decide if I’d be a good fit to work with your family. I believe in creating a safe space, setting boundaries, and talking about big feelings. I believe in playing board games and learning coping skills. Taking data to show measurable behavior change. Laughing. Compassion over compliance. Being trauma-informed. Taking breaks. Coloring with crayons. Teaching parenting skills. I believe in hope and resilience. I believe that it is enough to keep trying.
I began my career as a counselor after finishing my graduate degree in 2009. I have focused much of my professional education on play therapy, trauma, behavior analysis, and special education. I often work with children who have concerning behaviors at home or school and children who are struggling to process something overwhelming, such as challenging family dynamics, a new foster or kinship placement, or some type of abuse. One of the things I like about working at UCP is having a team that understands the importance of both using methods that are research-based and being neurodiversity-affirming.
Bonny Dodson, LCSW – Assistant Director of Outpatient Services
I received a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Smith College in 1990. My work and training has focused on family therapy, attachment and trauma including such models as Child Parent Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, MATCH, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I have also worked extensively with kinship families, reunification, permanency preparation for foster children and post adoption support. Whatever issues have brought you or your child to therapy or what specific treatment modality we choose, the most important focus is that you direct the process. The primary considerations are your goals/hopes/expectations, strengths, ideas, and if you find our work is helping.
On my off time I enjoy gardening, goofing off with my family, and doing anything creative.
Broc McGowan, LCSW – Outpatient Therapist
I have been an outpatient therapist since 2011 after graduating from the University of Maine with a MSW (master of social work) degree with an emphasis in substance abuse. After giving up on the dream of becoming a “Broc star” (note my first name) I moved back from Ohio to my home state of Maine to raise a family and get back on the right path. My undergraduate degree from the University of Farmington is in Rehabilitations Services and Psychology. While fulfilling the internship requirements for college, I learned that helping people was actually the best way to help myself. Being a partner to an individual’s recovery / healing process is truly amazing and inspiring. From then on, I gave less energy into fine tuning my guitar, and gave considerably more effort into fine tuning my craft as a provider of mental health services. Although my training was primarily in serving people with co-occurring disorders, I expanded my skills for Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Structured Therapy, Grief and Loss counseling, and utilizing a Narrative approach. I am currently in the certification process for MATCH (evidence-based practice therapeutic modality to serve children and adolescents with anxiety, trauma, depression or conduct disorders). Most of my clients are late adolescent to middle adults and have either been impacted by trauma or substance abuse in some fashion. As a result of, depression and anxiety are the most common disorders I have served, and I believe strongly in addressing the biological and physical causes or remedies for these issues. As such, I work with clients to develop proper self-care in their daily lives that will promote a healthy, holistic social rhythm. It is important for all my clients to understand that I do not have answers or advice to offer. Each person is an expert in their own lives and despite the challenges they may be facing, the solution to start feeling better is within them. My job, and privilege, is to get to know and understand them and ask the right questions to delineate a path that will bring them closer to reaching their goals.
What I truly appreciate about UCP is the freedom to explore various trainings, approaches, and therapeutic tools or resources to equip me with numerous ways to serve clients. By learning new and alternative ways to offer treatment, I have become a more well-rounded clinician who is not afraid to ask for assistance or more knowledge to improve my delivery of services.
Although I did end my quest to music stardom years ago to transition into the helping profession, I still consider myself an amateur musician and appreciate the power and benefits of music. Having this creative outlet has helped provide balance in my life. Having the ability to express oneself no matter the method, is a vital component to wellbeing and is most definitely a point of emphasis during the therapy process with all my clients.
Chelsea Gourley, LCPC-C – Outpatient Therapist
Hello! My name is Chelsea Gourley. I am a Clinical Professional Counselor with a conditional license. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Thomas College in 2017 and my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of the Cumberland in 2023. I am currently working with children and adolescents in an outpatient setting and through school-based counseling. I have experience working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as with clients that have anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and family and peer conflict. I offer sessions at the office or via telehealth. I have always enjoyed working with children and use play as a form of treatment whenever possible. I make a point to work on establishing a therapeutic relationship with each client I see so that they can feel comfortable with sharing anything with me that they want to. When not working I focus on spending quality time with my family! I look forward to working with you on your counseling journey!
Daniel Briggs – Home & Community Treatment (HCT) Clinician
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. I’ve had training in many areas, including cognitive behavioral therapy, TF-CBT and motivational interviewing. My clinical approach combines client centered therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, structural family therapy, Adlerian therapy and TF-CBT. I work with all populations. I am thankful to work for United Cerebral Palsy of Maine, which is a welcoming agency, ready to meet the needs of clients. I have many interests and hobbies, including music, art and woodworking.
Daniel Tyler – Home & Community Treatment (HCT) Clinician
I attended the University of Connecticut for my bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice. I also attended the University of Maine to complete my master’s degree in Counselor Education. I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am primarily a Home and Community Treatment counselor, working with children of all ages and their families. I also work with adults in a community outpatient counseling setting. I have worked for UCP of Maine since September of 2016 and enjoy the collaborative team approach that UCP offers, with highly skilled staff that creates the highest quality of treatment for clients. I enjoy being outdoors in my free time and bring fun structured outdoor activities into counseling, finding creative ways to keep children active and help families reach their treatment goals.
Jonathan Smith, LCPC – Assistant Director of Case Management and Behavioral Health Home Services
I’m Jonathan “Jon” Smith and serve as an Assistant Director of Case Management, BHH, and HCT here at UCP of Maine. By license, I’m a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I received my Masters in Counselor Education from the University of Maine in 2010. As a clinician I’m drawn to mindfulness work as it nicely ties together my interest in cognitive-behavioral and existential-humanistic perspectives. I also try to stay attuned to interpersonal processes between client and therapist, meaning staying aware of the dynamics playing out in the relationship between myself and the person I’m serving. In addition to these orientations, I’ve learned a lot about play therapy and trauma-focused therapy in my time here and have been really transformed by Motivational Interviewing (MI). Deep training in MI has made me a better listener both personally and professionally, and I tend to think it will always be at the core of my work. These days I work more often with children and adolescents but feel comfortable counseling adults as well. Across these age groups, I can address anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, behavioral issues, life stressors, and the enormity of big decisions.
In my time with UCP I’ve found there’s a lot to love about the organization, but the things that stand out the most to me include its culture of learning and staff development, the quality of the supervision, and the integrity of the people who work here.
When I’m not working, I’m a family man who also likes to coach youth sports, play golf and guitar, and I’m also the president of a local Little League.
Kristen Shaw, LCPC-C – Outpatient Therapist
My name is Kristen Shaw, and I am an LCPC-C (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor-Conditional). I graduated from Husson University in Bangor, Maine with my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in December 2023. I conduct counseling from a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy lens, with a focus on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how they can be modified to bring positive changes to one’s life. I also believe in the power of mindfulness, being in and appreciating the present moment without judgment. I work with counseling clients in their teenage years and adulthood who are working through issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Something I enjoy about working at UCP of Maine is how friendly the other fellow clinicians and staff are, everyone is welcoming and open to chat in formal and informal ways. Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my Maine Coon cat named Frankie and cockatiel named Vinny, watching Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics games, and doing photography.
Mariah Ludden, LCPC-C – Outpatient Therapist
My name is Mariah Ludden, I am a Conditionally Certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I studied Psychology at the University of Southern Maine and got my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am trained in Triple P Parenting and working toward getting certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I work with both children and adults in person or through Zoom. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practices and play therapy techniques in my sessions. I have enjoyed working with UCP. Leadership has been incredibly helpful and supportive with everything they can be and there doesn’t feel like the typical disconnect between leadership and staff.
In my free time, I enjoy finding outdoor activities to do in the summer like going to the coast, local fairs, or four wheeling. In the winter I will occasionally pick up other hobbies like crocheting or painting and am looking forward to learning how to knit.
Michelle Staples, LCPC-C – Outpatient Therapist
Hi. I’m Michelle Staples. I am a conditionally licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC-c). I graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta in 2017 with my BA in Social Services and from Husson University with my Master’s degree in Clinician Mental Health Counseling in 2022. I am Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) certified and am currently working on becoming TF-CBT (trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy) certified.
I take a client-centered, trauma-informed approach with all my clients, young or old. I practice primarily from a cognitive-behavioral stance while also recognizing that in mental health one size does not fit all. I may use play therapy techniques as well solution-focused techniques in my work. While I currently see mostly children, I also see adult clients. I am available to see clients either in my office or via telehealth to reduce barriers to treatment. Reaching out for counseling for yourself or your child can be an overwhelming step. I approach my work from a judgement free perspective
Sadel Nesin Davis, LCPC – Director of Behavioral Health Home and Case Management Services
I graduated from the University of Maine in 2010 with my Master’s Degree in Counselor Education and am a licensed LCPC. I enjoy working with families and looking at the relationships that exist within family structures. My energy lies with family therapy and am always amazed at the advances families can make when they decide to work to change together. I’m passionate about integrated care and working with other area providers to understand a person’s medical, mental health, and socioeconomic needs. Individuals are made up of so much, the team approach is essential to provide well-informed treatment options. At UCP I am lucky to have made many lasting connections with my co-workers who are dedicated to the work and each other. In my free time I enjoy spending time by the water, traveling and organizing anything I can get my hands on.
Samantha Davis, LCSW – Assistant Director of School Based Clinical Services
Hi! My name is Samantha Davis, I have been a Clinical Social Worker since graduating from the University of Maine in 2015. I worked as a Behavioral Health Professional in HCT and Treatment Foster Care prior to that. I have been trained in CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, ABA, Play Therapy, and MATCH interventions, as well as integrative therapy and social emotional learning. I specialize in working with children, teens and their families, with Developmental, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, and Trauma diagnoses. I really love helping children develop skills that will help them their whole lives. I have been at UCP since 2019, when I started as an Early Childhood Clinician, and have been supported through development to become the Assistant Director of School Based Clinical Services at Bridges. I am proud to be apart of the fun and supportive team at Bridges. I love that UCP allows me the ability to lead both bachelor and clinical level interns, I really enjoy teaching and supporting them as they develop their own skills and careers. Some of my favorite hobbies include gardening, reading, making art and spending time outside, whether that is on a hiking trail, beach, stargazing, or just relaxing beside the campfire with my family and dog.
Tanya Wilkerson – Home & Community Treatment (HCT) Clinician
Hi! My name is Tanya Wilkerson. I graduated from University of Maine Orono with a Master’s in Social Work and I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (LMSW-CC). I have been working in the mental health field for the last 10 years working with children and adults with mental health diagnoses and developmental disabilities in residential, day treatment, and outpatient settings. My current focus is working with children, adolescents, and families. I have been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) and tend to use a mixture of these approaches. I focus on mindfulness and strengths-based approaches as well. In my free time I enjoy outside activities such as walking my dogs and gardening, and I believe that self-care is an important part of improving mental health!